Historic Deed of Agreement on Apex Park and Phillips Park

Liverpool City Council and Gandangara Local Aboriginal Land Council have signed a Deed of Agreement to become co-creators and co-managers of two recreational sites - Apex Park in Liverpool and Phillips Park in Lurnea.

To signify this historic occasion, representatives of both councils met at an official signing ceremony on 4 December 2020, at Bigge Park Liverpool.

Gandangara Local Aboriginal Land Council Chairperson Tony Scholes and Chief Executive Officer Melissa Williams were present with Liverpool Mayor Wendy Waller and Liverpool City Council Chief Executive Officer Dr Eddie Jackson.

Liverpool Mayor Wendy Waller said the signing of the deed was a “momentous occasion” that formalises a meaningful agreement of these sites.

“Gandangara Local Aboriginal Land Council and Liverpool City Council will work together to incorporate Aboriginal themes, designs and features into these parks,” Mayor Waller said.

Gandangara Chairperson Mr Scholes opened the event by commending the Deed of Agreement as it represented a “spirit of co-operation, mutual respect and shared desire to ensure that all benefit equally from the land we share.”

Gandangara CEO Ms Williams said the Deed of Agreement demonstrates “Liverpool City Council’s engagement with Gandangara Local Aboriginal Land Council on the delivery of employment opportunities for our local Aboriginal community and the recognition of Aboriginal history and culture.” Ms Williams added that the occasion represents a new chapter in the relationship between both Councils.

Planning has begun to co-create Aboriginal garden areas at Apex Park, which has recently reopened after a $1.9 million upgrade, and at Phillips Park at Lurnea – a $16.2 million multi-purpose community hub.

The parklands planning is the first of its kind in terms of partnerships between local councils and local Aboriginal land councils South West Sydney.

Mayor Waller and Chairperson Scholes both commended Gandangara CEO Ms Williams.  “Melissa Williams has been instrumental in ensuring that the Deed of Agreement came to fruition,”  Chairperson Scholes said.

Her passion, dedication and hard work had “paid off” in an incredible act of partnership between the Councils, he added.

Chairperson Scholes and CEO Williams commended the work of Liverpool Council CEO Dr Jackson, whose commitment to working with, and honouring the rights of, Aboriginal peoples was an important element in formalising the Deed of Agreement.

Representatives from both Councils will meet in the new year to further their planning activities on the parklands.